Modular x-ray diagnostic applicance

ABSTRACT

A modular x-ray diagnostic appliance is described, having, as first module, a base support ( 1 ), as second module, at least one support for the base support ( 1 ), as third module, at least one component of an x-ray imaging device, as fourth module, a bearing device ( 33 ) for an object to be examined, and, as fifth module, a longitudinal carriage ( 20 ) which is arranged above the base support ( 1 ) and on which the component is mounted. On the base support, bearing-device coupling elements ( 31, 32 ) for coupling the bearing device ( 33 ) thereto, support-coupling elements ( 6 ) for coupling the support thereto and component-coupling elements for coupling the component thereto are formed, the component-coupling elements comprising a fixed and/or floating bearing ( 22, 23 ) arranged on the base support ( 1 ) and connected to the longitudinal carriage ( 20 ). The invention also discloses a method for producing different series of x-ray diagnostic appliances, in which a structurally identical modular base support ( 1 ) and a structurally identical modular bearing device ( 33 ) are used for all series.

[0001] Various X-ray diagnostic appliances are known which, depending on whether the X-ray emitter is located above or below a support table for an object to be examined, are designated as over-table or under-table X-ray diagnostic appliances. The X-ray emitter can be assigned a radiation receiver which is designed as an X-ray film, as an image amplifier or as a solid-state detector. It is known to arrange the X-ray emitter so that it can be adjusted in relation to the radiation receiver, or to arrange the radiation receiver so that it can be adjusted in relation to the X-ray emitter, or for both the X-ray emitter and the radiation receiver to be arranged so as to be adjustable, so that an object to be examined can, for example, be exposed to radiation from different directions. For this purpose, it is known, for example, to mount the X-ray emitter and the radiation receiver lying opposite one another at the ends of a C-bow. In these X-ray diagnostic appliances, the support table can be mounted in a fixed position or can be adjustable, for example on a pedestal, so that it can be adjusted in height and/or about a swivel axis and/or along its longitudinal axis and/or transverse axis. It is further known to mount an X-ray emitter, the radiation receiver and the support table on a floor column or ceiling column, in each case constituting a separate part. The under-table or over-table X-ray diagnostic appliances in each case form one unit and are each made up of individual parts.

[0002] It is an object of the invention to be able to produce different X-ray diagnostic appliances using uniform or common parts, in order thereby to reduce costs. A method for doing so is also to be specified.

[0003] According to the invention, the first object is achieved by the subject of patent claim 1.

[0004] The advantage of the invention is that the X-ray diagnostic appliance is designed as a modular system which comprises, as first module, a base support; as second module, at least one support for the base support; and, as third module, at least one component of an imaging device, and in which system support-coupling elements are formed on the base support for coupling the support thereto, and component-coupling elements are formed on the base support for coupling the component thereto. The modular X-ray diagnostic appliance additionally comprises, as fourth module, a bearing device for an object to be examined. Bearing-device coupling elements are formed on the base support for coupling the bearing device thereto. The modular X-ray diagnostic appliance according to the invention also has, as fifth module, a longitudinal carriage which is arranged above the base support and is connected to a fixed and/or floating bearing.

[0005] This modular construction makes it possible to arrange different supports or components on the same base support, so that it is possible to configure different X-ray diagnostic appliances.

[0006] The component-coupling elements comprise a fixed and/or floating bearing arranged on the base support, so that the components, for the purpose of their adjustment, are exactly guided by the fixed bearing and are further supported by the floating bearing. Such a design is also inexpensive.

[0007] Arranging the longitudinal carriage on the upper face of the base support has the advantage that the side faces of the base support can be used for coupling many different further modules to it. It is advantageous here if the guide rail of the floating bearing is arranged geodetically next to that of the fixed bearing.

[0008] It is advantageous if the bearing-device coupling elements are formed on at least one end face of the base support. In connection with the same base support, it is possible to form an X-ray diagnostic appliance which also has a bearing device for an object to be examined.

[0009] The base support is designed for example as a bar. In cross section, it has in particular the shape of a rectangle, preferably flat and/or horizontal.

[0010] If the component is to be adjustable, then it is advantageous to provide the base support with a drive device for the component, in particular a drive device also for different components, which drive device at least assists the personnel when adjusting the component, and the adjustment can preferably be controlled. The drive device can be connected to the longitudinal carriage.

[0011] For the modular configuration of the X-ray diagnostic appliance, it is particularly advantageous if a motor of the drive device, and if appropriate a motor of a further drive device, is arranged inside the base support. In this way, many free surface areas remain on the outside which can serve as coupling points for potential modules.

[0012] A further fixed bearing, on which further modules engage, is preferably arranged on the base support. A radiation receiver is preferably arranged on the further fixed bearing and/or the bearing device for the object to be examined is preferably adjustably mounted. For further supporting of the radiation receiver and/or of the bearing device, a further floating bearing is provided which is arranged on a longitudinal bar oriented at least approximately parallel to the longitudinal axis of the base support and spaced apart from said base support. The further support on the floating bearing affords precise guiding. In addition, the fixed bearing is of less complicated construction.

[0013] The longitudinal bar is preferably connected to the base support via a transverse bar, in particular via on the bearing-coupling elements formed on the end face of the base support. A frame for the radiation receiver and/or the bearing device is thus formed issuing from the base support, and the stability of this frame can be increased by the fact that a further transverse bar engages on the bearing-coupling elements formed on the other end face of the base support. To ensure that the radiation receiver and/or the bearing device are at least also assisted in their adjustment, it is advantageous to arrange a further drive device for this purpose on the base support.

[0014] A radiation receiver can be arranged above the longitudinal carriage via a compression tower, and a radiation source can be provided below the longitudinal carriage, spaced apart from the base support and said longitudinal carriage. An under-table X-ray diagnostic appliance is thus formed from modules.

[0015] If a radiation source is arranged above the longitudinal carriage via a gallows-like column arranged on said longitudinal carriage, an over-table X-ray diagnostic appliance is formed in modular fashion.

[0016] A C-bow X-ray diagnostic appliance can be formed in modular fashion by means of a holder for a C-bow being mounted on the longitudinal carriage.

[0017] A suitable support, in particular for the base support, is a ceiling mounting, or a pedestal which is supported for example on the floor of the examination room.

[0018] Via the pedestal, the base support can advantageously be adjusted in height and swiveled about a horizontal axis. Support-coupling elements are advantageously provided on the underside and/or at least one of the side walls of the base support, via which elements either the pedestal arranged below the base support or the pedestal arranged laterally next to the base support engages on the support-coupling elements via a connecting element. An X-ray diagnostic appliance can thus be produced in conjunction with different support elements which are also each designed as modules.

[0019] Further advantageous embodiments are set out in the dependent claims.

[0020] The X-ray diagnostic appliance according to the invention is thus characterized in particular by its modular construction, which makes it possible to produce different X-ray diagnostic appliances using the same modules or components. It is thus possible to fall back on basic components, as a result of which the production costs in particular can be reduced.

[0021] The second object is achieved by the features of claim 29. Advantageous embodiments of the method are set out in the dependent method claims.

[0022] Further advantages and details of the invention will become evident from the following description of an illustrative embodiment which is given with reference to the drawings and in connection with the dependent claims. In the drawings:

[0023]FIG. 1 shows the interface between the base support and a bracket;

[0024]FIG. 2 shows the interface between the base support and a tilting foot arrangement;

[0025]FIG. 3 shows a side view of the interface shown in FIG. 2;

[0026]FIG. 4 shows the interface between the base support and an over-table targeting device;

[0027]FIG. 5 shows the interface between the base support and an over-table radiation column;

[0028]FIG. 6 shows the interface between the base support and a longitudinal carriage of an under-table system;

[0029]FIG. 7 shows the interface between the base support and a C-bow system;

[0030]FIG. 8 shows the interface between the base support and a bearing device designed as table panel;

[0031]FIG. 9 shows an overall view of a modular X-ray diagnostic appliance according to the invention with a tilting foot arrangement.

[0032] X-ray diagnostic appliances consist of a plurality of different components which are combined with one another in accordance with the intended purpose of use. The concrete design of the appliance is conceived by the manufacturer in accordance with the specifications laid down by the recipient and in accordance with the required performance profiler, and the relevant parts are put together. All the components which are absolutely necessary are present in a basic version of the X-ray diagnostic appliance. In higher-grade configurations, further options are additionally built into the basic version. In a “high-end appliance”, all options are available.

[0033] X-ray diagnostic appliances also differ in terms of their design in that, in principle, a distinction is made between over-table designs and under-table designs, depending on where the radiation emitter is arranged.

[0034] In order to make it feasible to assemble all possible combinations and structures, the X-ray diagnostic appliance according to the invention is based on a platform concept which can be used both for under-table appliances and also for over-table appliances. The central component of each system is a substantially standardized base support with a plurality of interfaces for the attachment of further components. The base support generally forms the basis of all the X-ray diagnostic appliances that can be put together, and further components are added on depending on the desired configuration. The whole modular system is therefore based on a standardized support. The interfaces, in their simplest form, can be designed as threaded bores onto which further coupling elements can be screwed. In a basic design, the X-ray diagnostic appliance comprises, apart from the base support, a tiltable table with a motor-driven table panel and a targeting device. By means of the platform concept, the number of parts can be reduced by as much as 70%, and yet all variants can be assembled in a modular fashion.

[0035] In FIGS. 1 to 8, the interfaces between the base support and add-on components are described.

[0036]FIG. 1 shows the base support 1 of the modular X-ray diagnostic appliance according to the invention, which base support 1 is constructed as a module and represents the central component of the appliance. The presence of the base support 1 is obligatory in each modular X-ray diagnostic appliance, and all other components are arranged directly or indirectly on the base support 1. In the illustrative embodiment shown in FIG. 1, support-coupling elements designed as screw connections 2 are arranged on the underside of the base support 1 and on one side. The base support 1 is screwed to a bracket 3 via these screw connections 2. The bracket 3 consists essentially of a horizontal portion which is arranged under the base support 1 and protrudes laterally, and of a vertical portion which in its upper area has a bearing seat 4. The bracket 3 can be mounted pivotably on a pedestal via the bearing seat 4. Provision can also be made for the bracket 3 to be adjustable in height, so that a lifting/tilting foot arrangement is obtained. Three different foot variants are used which permit a range of swiveling of −20° to +90°, −45° to 90° and ±90°. The base support 1 is in this case swiveled together with the bracket 3 about a horizontal axis extending through the bearing seat 4. The fact that the bearing seat 4 of the bracket 3 is arranged alongside the base support 1 means that the base support 1 is readily accessible from all sides.

[0037] The interface between the base support 1 and a tilting foot arrangement 5, as shown in FIG. 2, represents an alternative to the interface shown in FIG. 1. The support-coupling elements formed on the base support 1 are bearing pins 6 which are arranged lying opposite one another on the long sides of the base support 1. The bearing pins 6 are screwed or welded onto the base support 1. They serve to mount the base support 1 in bearing seats 7 of a tilting foot arrangement 5. The tilting foot arrangement 5 comprises a bottom plate 8 and two parallel, spaced-apart side walls 9, and also the bearing seats 7 in the upper area of the side wall 9. Located between the two side walls 9 of the tilting foot arrangement 5, and underneath a covering 10, there is a drive mechanism (not shown) which interacts with a toothed segment 11 arranged on the base support 1 and connected rigidly thereto. Driving the toothed segment 11 results in a pivoting of the base support 1 about the horizontal axis which extends through the bearing seat 7.

[0038] The arrangement from FIG. 2 is shown in a side view in FIG. 3. A ball-bearing 12 is arranged in the bearing seat 7 and serves to receive the bearing pin 6. By means of the tilting foot arrangement 5, the base support 1 and further component parts arranged thereon can be tilted through a range of swiveling of at least +90° to −20°. Instead of the toothed segment 11 shown here, it is also possible to use a toothed wheel, a toothed belt or a gearing for the adjustment. In a further development of the invention, a lifting unit can also be integrated in the tilting foot arrangement in order to permit adjustment of the height of the base support 1. The interface with the base support is the same, although an additional interface can also be provided. This makes it much easier for the patient to get on and off, and its accessibility is likewise improved. Such a lifting unit includes a gearing unit which is vertically adjustable, for example by means of a chain drive. Other drive mechanisms are also conceivable.

[0039]FIG. 4 shows an interface between the base support 1 and an over-table targeting device 13. For this purpose, component-coupling elements are formed on the side of the base support 1 for the purpose of coupling the component thereto, which coupling elements, in the illustrative embodiment shown, are designed as a combination of a fixed-bearing guide 14 and a floating-bearing guide 15 The fixed-bearing guide 14 is screwed onto the side of the base support 1. The floating-bearing guide 15 is secured on a bar 16. The arrangement of the fixed bearing and of the floating bearing can also be chosen the other way round. The bar 16 is designed as a longitudinal bar and extends parallel to the longitudinal axis of the base support 1. The connection between the bar 16 and the base support 1 is effected via transverse bars (not shown in FIG. 4) which are arranged on both sides at the ends of the bar 16 and, together with the bar 16, form a support. The fixed bearing 14 interacts with corresponding bearing components 17 which are arranged on the underside of the over-table targeting device 13. The fixed bearing can, for example, be a recirculating ball carriage or a slideway carriage. Analogously, the floating-bearing guide 15 interacts with bearing components 18 which can, for example, be designed as roller bearings. In this bearing arrangement, an exact guidance is achieved by the fixed bearing, and further support is achieved by the floating bearing. Extending between the guides there is a drive train with a drive mechanism 19 which can preferably be designed as a chain, but can also be designed as spindle, toothed belt or toothed rod. By way of the drive mechanism 19, the longitudinal displacement of the over-table targeting device 13 can be executed by motor. As an alternative to the over-table targeting device 13, an under-table cassette holder can also be provided. The bearing guides 14, 15 permit the securing of different sizes of bars 16 and supports.

[0040] A further interface arranged on the base support 1 is shown in FIG. 5. This is an interface to a longitudinal carriage 20 with a radiation emitter column 21 arranged thereon. Arranged at the upper end of the radiation emitter column 21 there is a radiation source (not shown in FIG. 5). For the bearing on the base support 1, the latter has component-coupling elements which are designed as a fixed-bearing guide 22 and a floating-bearing guide 23. The bearing guides correspond to the bearing guides 14 and 15 shown in FIG. 4. The fixed bearing 22 consists, for example, of a recirculating ball carriage or a slideway carriage which interacts with a corresponding rail. The floating bearing 23 is a roller bearing which runs, for example, in a C-shape profile matching it. The bearing guides 22, 23 are arranged on the base support 1 via screw connections so that, if necessary, they can easily be replaced. Located inside the base support 1 there is a motor 24A of a drive mechanism 24 which is indicated only schematically and which displaces the longitudinal carriage 20 and, with it, the radiation emitter column 21 in the longitudinal direction of the base support 1. The support and the longitudinal carriage 20 can be displaced independently of one another.

[0041]FIG. 6 shows a modification of the illustrative embodiment in FIG. 5. The base support 1 with the bearings 22, 23 and with the longitudinal carriage 20 is in this case identical to the previous illustrative embodiment. At one side, the longitudinal carriage 20 has an extension adjoined by a bracket 25 which is arranged below the longitudinal carriage and on which a radiation source 26 is secured. The radiation source 26 is located alongside the base support 1 below the longitudinal carriage 20. Arranged at the opposite side of the longitudinal carriage 20 there is a vertical compression tower 27 which at its upper end carries a targeting device and/or an image receiver 28. The radiation source 26 is oriented to the image receiver 28. The targeting device can also include an X-ray image amplifier or a solid-state detector. Overall, this arrangement represents a modular under-table X-ray diagnostic appliance which can be moved longitudinally relative to the base support 1 via the longitudinal carriage 20.

[0042] A further alternative according to the invention is shown in FIG. 7. As in the illustrative embodiment in FIG. 6, the base support 1 has, on its top face, bearing guides 22, 23 which are provided for bearing and guiding a C-bow system 30 via a holder 29 representing a longitudinal carriage. The holder 29, which can also permit a transverse displacement and/or rotary movement of the C-bow held on it, is connected rigidly to the C-bow 30, for example screwed onto it, and thereby permits a longitudinal displacement of the C-bow system. The arrangement of the guides and of the drive mechanism corresponds to that of the previous illustrative embodiment.

[0043] Alternatively, provision can also be made to secure the holder 29 on a separate longitudinal carriage 20, so that the components of the fixed bearing 22 and of the floating bearing 23 are arranged between the base support 1 and the longitudinal carriage 20.

[0044]FIG. 8 shows a long side of the base support 1 in a side view. Arranged at both ends of the base support 1 there are bearing-device coupling elements which are designed as floating-bearing guide 31 and fixed-bearing guide 32. The guides 31, 32 serve to guide a bearing device for an object to be examined, which device is designed as table panel 33. By way of a drive mechanism 34 (with motor 34A) arranged in the base support 1, the table panel 33 can be moved by motor. Together with the bearing 22, 23 and the drive mechanism 24, the table panel 33 can be displaced both in the longitudinal direction and in the transverse direction.

[0045]FIG. 9 shows a particularly suitable illustrative embodiment of the invention in an overall view, in which the interfaces described in FIGS. 2, 4 and 5, between the base support 1 and further modules, are realized. The tilting foot arrangement 5 which permits a swiveling of the X-ray diagnostic appliance is situated underneath the support 1. The radiation emitter column 21 with the radiation source 26 is arranged above the base support 1. Laterally in relation to the base support 1, the targeting device/image receiver 28 is mounted so as to be displaceable in the longitudinal direction. Additional support is afforded by the bar 16. Both modules can be moved independently of one another by means of the drive mechanism 19 (with motor 19A in the base support 1) which interacts with the image receiver 28, and by means of the drive mechanism 24 (with motor 24A in the base support 1) which interacts with the radiation emitter column 21. Overall, in this way, a modular X-ray diagnostic appliance is obtained which consists of different components put together in the manner of a system of building blocks. 

1. A modular X-ray diagnostic appliance, having the following modules: a) as first module, a base support (1), b) as second module, at least one support for the base support (1), support-coupling elements (6) being formed on the base support (1) for coupling the support thereto, c) as third module, at least one component of an X-ray imaging device, component-coupling elements being formed on the base support (1) for coupling the component thereto, d) as fourth module, a bearing device (33) for an object to be examined, bearing-device coupling elements (31, 32) being formed on the base support (1) for coupling the bearing device (33) thereto, and e) as fifth module, a longitudinal carriage (20) which is arranged above the base support (1) and on which the component is mounted, the component-coupling elements comprising a fixed and/or floating bearing (22, 23) arranged on the base support (1) and connected to the longitudinal carriage (20).
 2. The modular X-ray diagnostic appliance as claimed in claim 1, in which the bearing-device coupling elements (31, 32) are formed on at least one end face of the base support (1).
 3. The modular X-ray diagnostic appliance as claimed in one of claims 1 and 2, in which different components can be coupled to the same component-coupling elements on the base support (1).
 4. The modular X-ray diagnostic appliance as claimed in one of claims 1 through 3, in which the component is a radiation receiver (28).
 5. The modular X-ray diagnostic appliance as claimed in one of claims 1 through 4, in which a drive device (24) is arranged on the base support (1) and is connected to the longitudinal carriage (20).
 6. The modular X-ray diagnostic appliance as claimed in claim 5, in which a motor (24A) of the drive device (24) is arranged inside the base support (1).
 7. The modular X-ray diagnostic appliance as claimed in one of claims 1 through 6, in which the component-coupling elements comprise a further fixed bearing (14) and a further floating bearing (15) arranged on the base support (1).
 8. The modular X-ray diagnostic appliance as claimed in one of claims 1 through 7, in which a further drive device (19) for the component is arranged on the base support (1).
 9. The modular X-ray diagnostic appliance as claimed in claim 8, in which different components can be adjusted via the further drive device (19).
 10. The modular X-ray diagnostic appliance as claimed in one of claims 7 through 9, in which the further drive device (19) is arranged between the fixed bearing (14) and the floating bearing (15).
 11. The modular X-ray diagnostic appliance as claimed in claim 9 or 10, in which the bearing device (33) for the object to be examined is mounted on another fixed bearing (32).
 12. The modular X-ray diagnostic appliance as claimed in claim 11, in which the bearing device (33) can be adjusted on the other fixed bearing (32).
 13. The modular X-ray diagnostic appliance as claimed in one of claims 1 through 12, in which the bearing device (33) is arranged above the radiation receiver (28).
 14. The modular X-ray diagnostic appliance as claimed in one of claims 1 through 13, in which the radiation receiver (13) and/or the bearing device (33) engage on a floating bearing (15) which is arranged on a longitudinal bar (16) oriented at least approximately parallel to the longitudinal axis of the base support (1) and spaced apart from said base support (1).
 15. The modular X-ray diagnostic appliance as claimed in claim 14, in which the longitudinal bar (16) is connected to the base support (1) via a transverse bar.
 16. The modular X-ray diagnostic appliance as claimed in claim 15, in which the transverse bar engages on the bearing-coupling elements (31) formed on the end face of the base support (1).
 17. The modular X-ray diagnostic appliance as claimed in claim 15 or 16, in which a further transverse bar engages on the bearing-coupling elements (32) formed on the other end face of the base support and is connected to the longitudinal bar (16).
 18. The modular X-ray diagnostic appliance as claimed in one of claims 1 through 17, in which a radiation receiver (28) is arranged above the longitudinal carriage (20) via a compression tower (27) arranged on said longitudinal carriage (20), and in which a radiation source (26) is provided below the longitudinal carriage (20) and is arranged on said longitudinal carriage (20) and spaced apart from the base support (1).
 19. The modular X-ray diagnostic appliance as claimed in one of claims 1 through 17, in which a radiation source (26) is arranged above the longitudinal carriage (20) via a gallows-like column (21) arranged on said longitudinal carriage (20).
 20. The modular X-ray diagnostic appliance as claimed in one of claims 1 through 19, in which a holder (29) for a C-bow (30) is mounted on the longitudinal carriage (20), via which the C-bow (30) is adjustable at least along its circumference.
 21. The modular X-ray diagnostic appliance as claimed in claim 20, in which the C-bow (30) can be adjusted via the holder (29) about a horizontal and/or vertical axis.
 22. The modular X-ray diagnostic appliance as claimed in one of claims 1 through 21, in which the support is designed as a ceiling mounting.
 23. The modular X-ray diagnostic appliance as claimed in one of claims 1 through 21, in which the support is designed as a pedestal (5).
 24. The modular X-ray diagnostic appliance as claimed in claim 23, in which the base support (1) can be adjusted in height via the pedestal (5).
 25. The modular X-ray diagnostic appliance as claimed in claim 23 or 24, in which the base support (1) can be swiveled about a horizontal axis via the pedestal (5).
 26. The modular X-ray diagnostic appliance as claimed in one of claims 23 through 25, in which the pedestal (5) engages on the support-coupling elements (6) which are provided on the underside and/or at least one of the side walls of the base support (1).
 27. The modular X-ray diagnostic appliance as claimed in one of claims 23 through 26, in which the pedestal (5) is arranged below the base support (1).
 28. The modular X-ray diagnostic appliance as claimed in one of claims 23 through 26, in which the pedestal (5) is arranged laterally next to the base support (1) and engages on the support-coupling elements (2) via a connecting element (3).
 29. A method for producing different series of X-ray diagnostic appliances, in which a structurally identical modular base support (1) and a structurally identical modular bearing device (33) are used for all series, in which each base support (1), as the central module, is prepared at different coupling points for coupling thereto of all the modules occurring in the series which are to be produced, and in which the bearing device (33) and, depending on the particular series, further modules are arranged on the base support (1), in which the further modules include a support for the base support (1) and/or a component of an X-ray imaging device and/or a longitudinal carriage (20).
 30. The production method as claimed in claim 29, in which the series are series of mutually different appliance types, in particular a series of over-table X-ray diagnostic appliances, a series of under-table X-ray diagnostic appliances and/or a series of C-bow X-ray diagnostic appliances.
 31. The production method as claimed in claim 29 or claim 30, in which the series are series of the same appliance type which are comprehensively or comfortably equipped to differing degrees. 